Smart control for airborne particle collection

ABSTRACT

An airborne particle collection system includes an airflow directing unit, register units, a fan unit, and a control system. The airflow directing unit includes a plurality of separately controlled air distribution segments. Each of register unit includes a motorized damper and a filter. The fan unit is connected to the airflow directing unit and to the plurality of register units through piping. The fan unit injects air into the airflow directing unit, and generates a vacuum force that causes exhaust air with airborne particles to be pulled into the register units and filtered by the filters within the register units. The control system selectively controls the air distribution segments of the airflow directing unit and the motorized dampers of the register units to generate alterable airflow patterns between the airflow directing unit and the register units in different zones within a room in which the airflow directing unit and the register units are disposed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to air filtration techniques, and inparticular, to systems and methods for collecting airborne particlessuch as dust, allergens, and other small particulates.

BACKGROUND

In general, air filtration systems are commonly utilized in commercialand residential buildings to reduce the amount of airborne particlesfrom incoming outdoor air and from recirculated indoor air, such aspollen, dust, bacteria, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, and otherallergens or irritants, which individuals can breathe in and causehealth issues. Conventional air filtration systems are implemented, forexample, by placing filters in the supply airstreams of forced-airheating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems of commercialand residential buildings, wherein such filters are capable of filteringvery small (micron, submicron) airborne particles that can cause healthissues. Other conventional air filtration systems include stand-alone,portable, air filtering units, which are commonly used in residences. Inmany instances, such conventional air filtrations systems are notadequate or effective in removing unwanted airborne particles.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention generally include airborne particlecollection systems and methods for smart control of airborne particlecollection systems.

For example, one embodiment includes an airborne particle collectionsystem. The airborne particle collection system includes an airflowdirecting unit, register units, a fan unit, and a control system. Theairflow directing unit includes a plurality of separately controlled airdistribution segments. Each register unit includes a motorized damperand a filter. The fan unit is connected to the airflow directing unitand to the plurality of register units through piping. The fan unitinjects air into the airflow directing unit, and generates a vacuumforce that causes exhaust air with airborne particles to be pulled intothe register units and filtered by the filters within the registerunits. The control system selectively controls the air distributionsegments of the airflow directing unit and the motorized dampers of theregister units to generate alterable airflow patterns between theairflow directing unit and the register units in different zones withina room in which the airflow directing unit and the register units aredisposed.

Another embodiment includes a method for collecting airborne particles.The method includes injecting air into an airflow directing unitcomprising a primary air tube, and a plurality of separately controlledair distribution segments connected to the primary air tube, whereineach air distribution segment comprises an airflow control valveconnected to the primary air tube, an air distribution channel connectedto an output of the airflow control valve, and a series of air exitsholes aligned to the air distribution channel; generating a vacuum forcethat causes exhaust air with airborne particles to be pulled into one ormore register units, wherein each register unit comprises a motorizeddamper and a filter; filtering the exhaust air using the filters of theregister units; and selectively activating the airflow control valves ofthe air distribution segments and the motorized dampers of the one ormore register units to generate alterable airflow patterns between theairflow directing unit and the one or more register units in differentzones within a room in which the airflow directing unit and the one ormore register units are disposed.

These and other embodiments will be described in the following detaileddescription of embodiments, which is to be read in conjunction with theaccompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an airborne particle collection systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an airborne particle collection systemaccording to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views of an airflow directing unitaccording to an embodiment of the invention, wherein FIG. 3A is aperspective view of the airflow directing unit and FIG. 3B is a crosssectional top plan view of the airflow directing unit along a planedefined by line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a register unit according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a register unit according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a method for controlling an airborne particle collectionsystem according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computer system for controlling an airborneparticle collection system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments will now be discussed in further detail with regard toairborne particle collection systems and methods for smart control ofairborne particle collection systems. It is to be understood thatvarious system components and methods of operating airborne particlecollection systems, as generally described and illustrated in thefigures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent configurations. Thus, the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments, as represented in the attached figures, is notintended to limit the scope of the application as claimed, but is merelyrepresentative of example embodiments of the application.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an airborne particle collection system100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The airborne particlecollection system 100 comprises a control system 110, a fan unit 120, anair ionizer unit 130, an airflow directing unit 140, a plurality ofregister units 150-1, 150-2, 150-3 (collectively referred to as registerunits 150), control wiring 160, and air supply/exhaust piping 170. Afurther shown in FIG. 1, the airflow directing unit 140 and the registerunits 150 are located with a room 180 of a building or residence, forexample, having an inner perimeter defined by four walls 181, 182, 183and 184.

In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the airflowdirecting unit 140 comprises an elongated unit which is disposed on afloor of the room 180 and which extends along, and is mounted to, thebottom portion of a first wall 181 of the room 180. In addition, in oneembodiment of the invention, the register units 150 serve as air returnregisters that are mounted in the floor at various positions along thebottom of a second wall 182, which is opposite the first wall 181.

The fan unit 120 is connected to the airflow directing unit 140 and tothe plurality of register units 150 through the air supply/exhaustpiping 170, wherein the fan unit 120 is configured to inject air intothe airflow directing unit 140, and to generate a vacuum force thatcauses air within the room 180 with airborne particles to be pulled intothe register units 150 and filtered by filters within the register units150. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the fan unit 120 is aninline fan unit that is configured to inject air into the airflowdirecting unit 140 through an upstream portion 171 of the piping 170,which connects an air outlet of the fan unit 120 to an air inlet of theairflow directing unit 140. The fan unit 120 is also configured togenerate a vacuum in downstream portions 172 of the piping 170 connectedto an air inlet of the fan unit 120, wherein the vacuum generates asuction force that pulls airborne particles into the register units 150.

In one embodiment, the fan unit 120 comprises a vacuum fan that isconfigured to “pull” air from the downstream piping 172 and inject thepulled air into the airflow directing unit 140 through the upstreamportion 171 of the system piping 170, thereby creating a vacuum in thedownstream portion 172 of the system piping 170. In another embodiment,the fan unit 120 comprises an air blower unit that is configured to“push” air into the airflow directing unit 140 through the upstreamportion 171 of the system piping 170, thereby creating a vacuum in thedownstream portion 172 of the system piping 170.

The airflow directing unit 140 comprises a plurality separatelycontrolled air distribution segments S1, S2 and S3, which operate underthe control of control signals generated by the control system 110, toselectively output and direct airflow to different zones (e.g., zonesZ1, Z2, and Z3) within the room 180. An illustrative embodiment of anairflow directing unit will be described in further detail below withreference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Each of the register units 150 includes afilter and a motorized damper that operates under the control of controlsignals generated by the control system 110 to selectively open andclose the motorized damper so that exhaust air with airborne particlesis selectively exhausted in the different zones within the room 180.Illustrative embodiments of register units will be described in furtherdetail below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

As further depicted in FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the invention, theair ionizer unit 130 is connected downstream of the fan unit 120. Theair ionizer unit 130 is configured to electrically charge air moleculesusing a process known as ionization. For example, in one embodiment ofthe invention, the air ionizer unit 130 comprises electrostaticallycharged plates to electrically charge air molecules (which flow throughthe air ionizer unit 130) and produce positively charged gaseous ions(cations) or negatively charged gaseous ions (anions) such as, e.g., N₂⁻ or O₂ ⁻.

The ionized air molecules (e.g., negative ions) which are output fromthe air ionizer unit 130 are injected into the airflow directing unit140 by operation of the fan unit 120. The ionized air molecules are thendispersed into the room 180 via the airflow that is emitted from theairflow directing unit 140. As the ionized air molecules flow across theroom 180, the ionized air molecules attach to various airborne particlessuch as dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, pet dander, and other allergensthat exist within the room 180, creating charge particles. The ionizedair molecules and charged particles are pulled towards the registerunits 150 by virtue of the vacuum force that is generated in thedownstream portions 172 of the system piping 170 connected to theregister units 150.

In one embodiment of the invention, the register units 150 includeelectrostatic air filters that are electrically charged opposite to theelectrical charge of the ionized air molecules and charged airborneparticles. In this manner, the charged airborne particles are attractedand held by the oppositely charged electrostatic filters. In oneembodiment of the invention, the electrostatic filters include a porousdielectric material that is positioned between a pair of electrodes,wherein exhaust air passes through the dielectric material. A voltagepotential difference is applied across the electrodes to induce anelectrostatic field in the dielectric material which is sufficient tocause charged particles within the exhaust air stream flowing throughthe electrostatic filter to adhere to the dielectric material.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the various system components 120, 130, 140,and 150 are connected to the control system 110 via the control wiring160, wherein the control wiring 160 includes dedicated wiring fortransmitting control signals to the various system components as well asoptional low voltage wiring to supply low voltage (e.g., DC or ACvoltage) to one or more of the system components 120, 130, 140 and 150,as needed, to operate low voltage components. In addition, although notspecifically shown, the various system components such as the fan unit120 and air ionizer unit 130 are connected to the electrical supply gridof the given building to provide high-voltage AC power that is needed tooperate high-voltage components.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control system 110 generatescontrol signals to the fan unit 120 to perform functions such asautomatically controlling the activation and deactivation of the fanunit 120 (e.g., turning on/off) during user-specified time periodsduring the day, or changing the fan speed to adjust (increase ordecrease) the air flow rate (e.g., liters per minute) according touser-specified program parameters. Moreover, as explained in furtherdetail below, the control system 110 is configured to selectivelycontrol the air distribution segments S1, S2, and S3 of the airflowdirecting unit 140 and the motorized dampers of the register units 150to generate alterable airflow patterns between the airflow directingunit 140 and the register units 150 in different zones (e.g., Z1, Z2,Z3) within the room 180 to optimize the collection of airborneparticles. For example, the control system 110 can selectively activatethe air distribution segments S1, S2, and S3 of the airflow directingunit 140 in a pre-programmed sequence to generate different airflowpatterns that are directed to one or more of the register units 150. Inaddition, the control system 110 can selectively control the motorizeddampers of the register units 150 to generate different airflow patternsthat are pulled towards one or more of the register units 150 by thevacuum force (e.g., the motorized dampers of the register units 150 canbe selectively opened and closed in a pre-programmed sequence).

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an airborne particle collection system200 according to another embodiment of the invention. The airborneparticle collection system 200 of FIG. 2 is similar to the airborneparticle collection system 100 of FIG. 1, except that the register units150 in FIG. 2 are shown mounted within the lower portion of the wall182, as opposed to the floor. It is to be understood that the placementof the air directing unit 140 and register units 150 as shown in FIGS. 1and 2 is merely illustrative, wherein the utilization and placement ofone or more air directing units 140 and register units 150 within agiven room will vary depending on various factor such as the size andshape of the room, the contents of the room, etc.

For example, in a relatively large rectangular shaped room, one or moreair directing units 140 can be placed adjacent to a bottom of each wall,e.g., walls 181, 182, 183 and 184 of the room 180 (in FIG. 1), whereinan array of register units 150 are disposed within the floor in acentral portion of the room 180. In this manner, the air directingunit(s) 140 on each wall can be sequentially activated to push airborneparticles toward the center of room 180, wherein the airborne particlesare pulled (via vacuum suction force) into the centrally locatedregister units 150 and filtered. In other embodiments, one or more airdirecting units 140 can be positioned at an upper portion of the walladjacent the ceiling, in which case the elevated air directing unit(s)can push the airborne particles down towards the register units 150.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views of an airflow directing unit 300according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3A is a perspectiveview of the airflow directing unit 300 showing internal components inphantom (dashed lines) and FIG. 3B is a cross sectional top plan view ofthe airflow directing unit 300 along a plane defined by line 3B-3B inFIG. 3A. The airflow directing unit 300 shown in FIGS. 3A/3B is anillustrative embodiment of an airflow directing unit which can beimplemented in the systems 100 and 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3A/3B, the airflow directing unit 300 comprises acasing 310, a primary air tube 320 (having an inlet 322 and an outlet324), and a plurality (n) of separately controlled air distributionsegments S1, . . . , Sn connected to the primary air tube 320. Each airdistribution segment S1, . . . , Sn comprises a respective airflowcontrol valve 330-1, . . . , 330-n (collectively referred to as airflowcontrol valves 330) connected to the primary air tube 320, a respectiveair distribution channel 340-1, . . . , 340-n (collectively referred toas air distribution channels 340) connected to an output of a respectiveairflow control valve 330-1, . . . , 330-n, and a series of air exitsholes 350 aligned to the air distribution channels 340. The airflowdirecting unit 300 further comprises a power/control port 360, andinternal wiring 362.

The airflow directing unit 300 is a modular unit that can be seriallyconnected to other airflow directing units. For example, the airflowdirecting unit 300 can be connected directly to the fan unit 120 throughpiping 171 which is connected to the inlet 322 of the primary air tube320 using a suitable adaptor. The outlet 324 of the primary air tube 320can be connected to the inlet of another airflow directing unit using asuitable adaptor, or the outlet 324 can be capped off when the airflowdirecting unit 300 is used alone.

The power/control port 360 comprises an electrical adaptor that isexposed on the backside of the casing 310, for example, to allow thecontrol/low-voltage wiring 160 from the control system 110 to beconnected to the airflow directing unit 300. The power/control port 360provides an interface between the external wiring 160 and the internalcontrol wiring 362 which is routed to the airflow control valves 330.

The airflow control valves 330-1, . . . , 300-n are selectively operatedunder the control of control signals generated by the control system 110to allow air which is injected into the primary air tube 320 to flowinto the respective air distribution channels 340-1, . . . , 340-n, andthen flow out from the air exit holes 350 that are aligned to therespective air distribution channels 340-1, . . . , 340-n. In oneembodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 3B, the air distributionchannels 340 comprise tapered channels wherein the cross-sectional areaof each air distribution channel 340 decreases along the length of thechannel 340 from the air input end of the channel 340. This taperingserves to maintain a relatively constant air pressure along the airdistribution channel 340 so that the force of the airflow emitted fromthe exit holes 350 is relatively equal along the length of the airdistribution channel 340.

In one embodiment of the invention, the airflow control valves 330comprise electromechanically operated valves, such as solenoid valves,which are controlled by control signals generated by the control system110. In one embodiment, each of the airflow control valves 330 comprisesa two-port valve, wherein a given airflow control valve 330-1, . . . ,300-n is either switched on to allow air to flow from the primary airtube 320 into a corresponding air distribution channel 340-1, . . . ,340-n, or switched off to prevent air from flowing from the primary airtube 320 into the given air distribution channel 340-1, . . . , 340-n.

It is to be understood that the airflow directing unit 300 shown inFIGS. 3A/3B is a generic illustration, and that various configurationsof airflow directing units can be fabricated based on the frameworkshown in FIGS. 3A/3B. For example, in residential applications, theairflow directing unit 300 can be designed wherein the casing 310 ismolded into the form of standard floor molding (e.g., colonial molding,clam-shell molding, etc.) or ceiling molding (e.g., crown molding),wherein the various components 320, 330, 340, 360, and 362, are firstassembled, and then encased in some type of composite material that isformed to look like standard molding. In this embodiment, the air exitholes 350 can be perforations that are formed in the front surface ofthe casing 310 to expose the interior air distribution channels 340. Theprimary air tube 320 and air distribution channels 340, and otherinternal piping, can be formed of metallic material, or plasticmaterial, and formed with a size (diameter) that is suitable for thegiven application.

In such embodiments where the airflow directing unit 300 is engineeredto look like standard wood-type molding/casing, thinner molding profilescan be achieved by vertically disposing the various components 320, 330and 340 in vertical relation to each other (as opposed to laterallydisposing the various components 320, 330 and 340 as genericallyillustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In this regard, existing wood moldingin a given room can be retrofitted with one or more lengths of airflowdirecting units that are engineered to look like standard wood-typemolding/casing. Moreover, depending on the application, airflowdirecting units that are engineered to look like standard wood-typemolding/casing can be fabricated in standard or custom lengths.Moreover, custom 90 degree or 45 degree inside and outside cornermoldings having internal airflow tubing along with suitable adaptors canbe engineered to enable connection between airflow directing units thatare disposed on different walls, for example.

In other embodiments, such as residential or commercial applications,the airflow directing unit 300 can be fabricated to have any size, shapeand/or configuration based on the generic framework of FIGS. 3A/3B,which is suitable for the given application. For example, for commercialapplications, the airflow directing unit 300 can be fabricated with ahollow metallic or plastic decorative casing 310, for example, whichhouses the various components 320, 330 and 340. For commercialapplications or new installations, for example, the airflow directingunits can be custom built and implemented to meet specific requirementsfor particle collection for different rooms within a given building.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a register unit according to anembodiment of the invention. In particular, FIG. 4 schematicallyillustrates a register unit 400 (installed in a floor or wall) whichincludes a removable grill 410, a register box 420, an electrostaticfilter 430, a damper unit 440, an actuator motor 450, linkage 460, andan output collar 470. In accordance with embodiments of the invention,the register unit 400 is operated under control of the control system110 using low-voltage power/control signals applied (via the controlwiring 160) to the electrostatic filter 430, and to the actuator motor450 which controls the opening and closing of the damper 440. Theregister unit 400 shown in FIG. 4 is one illustrative embodiment forimplementing the register units 150 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In one embodiment of the invention, the damper 440 can be implementedusing any standard damper configuration having one or more plates thatcan be positioned to completely block airflow through the register unit400 from the front grill opening 410 to the system piping 172 connectedto the output collar 470, or to enable airflow through the register unit400. In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator motor 450 isconnected to the damper 440 using suitable mechanical linkage 460,wherein operation of the actuator motor 450 is controlled by the controlsystem 110 to modulate the flow of exhaust air through the register unit400 due to the vacuum suction force that exists in the system piping 172connected to the output collar 470. In this manner, the control system110 can selectively control which register unit is operating in a givenzone (e.g., Z1, Z2, Z3, FIGS. 1, 2) at a given time.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the electrostatic filter 430 can beaccessed and cleaned by removing the front grill plate 410. As notedabove, the electrostatic filter can be implemented using any standardelectrostatic filter configuration and method. The voltage applied tothe electrostatic filter 430 can be controlled (turned off/on, orincreased/decreased) under control of the control system 110.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a register unit 500 according toanother embodiment of the invention. The register unit 500 of FIG. 5 issimilar to the register unit 400 of FIG. 4, except that the registerunit 500 comprises a motorized housing 510 on the sides of the registerbox 420 which houses and controls the movement of movable fins 520 inresponse to control signals received from the control system 110 overthe control wiring 160. The movable fins 520 can be extended from thehousing 510 (as shown in FIG. 5) to form a funnel-shaped hood in frontof the grille 410, which serves to provide a larger particle collectionarea that funnels airborne particles into the register unit 500. In oneembodiment, a low-level voltage can be applied to the movable fins 520,so that the movable fins 520 have an electrical charge that is oppositeto the electrical charge of the ionized molecules and charged airborneparticles. As a result, charged airborne particles that hit the surfaceof the movable fins 520 are repelled from the surface of the movablefins 520 and pulled into the register unit 500 by virtue of the vacuumsuction force.

In one embodiment, the motorized housing 510 can be configured withminiature motorized wheels, or other similar configurations, which arerotatably operated by one or more motors under control of the controlsystem 110 to extend or retract the movable fins 520. FIG. 5 depicts anembodiment of a register unit 500 that is disposed within a walladjacent a floor, wherein movable fins 520 can extend from both sidesand the top side of the register unit 500 to form a funnel-shaped hood.Similar concepts can be applied to register units that are disposedwithin the floor, wherein movable fins are controlled to verticallyextend from and retract into slots that are formed in the floor on thesides and backside (adjacent the wall) of the register unit toessentially form a “backstop” around the sides and backside of theregister unit which funnels airborne particles into the register unit500.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for controlling an airborneparticle collection system according to an embodiment of the invention.In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates a mode of operation of the controlsystem 110 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of theinvention. In one embodiment, the control system 110 may be implementedas a wall-mounted smart control panel, which is programmable by user. Inanother embodiment, the control system 110 may be implemented are partof a computer server system (e.g., FIG. 7) that controls the airborneparticle collection system, as well as other systems of a given buildingor home.

Referring to FIG. 6, a user can program the control system 110 withvarious user-specified control parameters that are used to activate andcontrol various system components, e.g., components 120, 130, 140, and150, FIGS. 1 and 2 (block 600). For example, the user can specify timeperiods during the day, or days of the month, for example, in which theparticle collection system is active or inactive. Moreover, a user canspecify different fan speeds for operating the fan unit 120 at differenttimes of the day, or different ionization levels of the air ionizer 130for generating charged air molecules. For example, during summer monthsor fall months when pollen counts are high, the control system 110 canbe programmed such that the airborne particle collection system operatesat higher performance (e.g., longer periods of time, higher fan speeds,higher ionization levels, etc.). In addition, a user can program asequence in which different air directing units 140 or differentsegments thereof, and different register units 150 are sequentiallyactivated/deactivated, so as to generate alterable airflow patternswithin different zones within a given room. The alterable airflowpatterns create airflow turbulence within the room in a way thateffectively “sweeps” the airborne particles towards the register units,and optimizes the collection of airborne particles.

Once the control system 110 is programmed, the control system 110 canautomatically control the airborne particle collection system accordingto the user programmed control parameters. For example, the controlsystem 110 can automatically activate (turn on) the fan unit 120 and airionizer unit 130 during specified time periods, and adjustably controlsuch units 120 and 130 (e.g. fan speed, ionization level, etc.) duringperiods of time in which the units 120 and 130 are active according tothe control parameters (block 602).

In addition, during periods of time in which the airborne particlecollection system is active, the control system 110 can be configured toselectively control the air distribution segments of the airflowdirecting unit(s) and the motorized dampers of the register units togenerate alterable airflow patterns between the airflow directingunit(s) and the register units in different zones within a roomaccording to a programmed sequence specified by the control parameters(block 604). For example, the control system 110 can be programmed toselectively open/close the airflow control valves of the airdistribution segments (of a given airflow directing unit) at differenttimes according to some pre-programmed sequence to generate differentairflow patterns that are directed to one or more of the register units.Moreover, the control system 110 can be programmed to selectivelyopen/close the dampers of the register units at different timesaccording to some pre-programmed sequence to generate different airflowpatterns that are pulled towards one or more of the register units bythe vacuum force. The sequential activation of different airdistribution segments of the airflow directing unit(s) and differentdampers of the register units serves to alter the airflow patternswithin the room in a way that effectively “sweeps” the airborneparticles towards the register units to optimize the collection ofairborne particles.

For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the different air distributionsegments S1, S2, S2 of the airflow directing unit 140 within the zonesZ1, Z2 and Z3 can be activated in a repeated sequence, one at a time, inconjunction with activation of the damper units of the register units150-1, 150-2, and 150-3 within the zones Z1, Z2 and Z3, one at a time,so that airflow and collection of airborne particles sequentially occursin each zone Z1. Z1, Z2, one at a time. This sequential activation ofthe air distribution segments S1, S2, S2 and register units 150-1,150-2, and 150-3 within the zones Z1, Z2 and Z3 enhances the particlecollection functionality of the system 100.

In particular, activating the air distribution segment S1 and theregister unit 150-1 in zone Z1 (while turning off the air distributionsegments S2 and S3 and closing the dampers of the register units 150-2and 150-3) is effective to collect particles in zone Z1 while pushinguncollected particles into the next zone Z2. If zones Z1 and Z2 were onat the same time, the airflow in zones Z1 and Z2 may result in thetrapping of particles in the corner of the room 180 between the walls182 and 183. By activating zone Z2 after zone Z1 (and keeping zones Z1and Z3 deactivated), the particles in zone Z2 can be effectivelycollected using second register 150-2 with airflow emitted from thesecond segment S2 of the airflow directing unit 140. By selectivelyactivating the zones in the sequence Z1, Z2, Z3, Z2, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z1 . .. , particle collection system 100 effectively “sweeps” the airborneparticles towards the register units 150 and prevents the trapping ofparticles in the corners of the room, for example.

It is to be understood that the time period at which the different airdistribution segments S1, S2, S3 and corresponding register units 150-1,150-2, 150-3 in the different zones Z1, Z2 and Z3, are sequentiallyactivated can vary depending on the application. For example, in oneembodiment, each segment/zone can be activated for a period of, e.g., afew seconds to one or more minutes at a given time. Moreover, it is tobe understood that the illustrative activation sequences discussedherein are not to be construed as any limitation of the claimed subjectmatter. Indeed, the sequence and timing for activating different airdistribution segments of the airflow directing unit(s) and foractivating different dampers of the register units within a given roomwill widely vary depending on various factors such as, for example, theroom size, the contents of the room, the layout of the airflow directingunits and the register units within the room, etc. In all instances, itis desirable to optimize the sequence and timing for activating thedifferent air distribution segments of the airflow directing unit(s) andfor activating different dampers of the register units within a givenroom so as to generate alterable airflow patterns that effectively sweepthe airborne particles towards the register units and prevent thetrapping of particles in certain areas (e.g., corners) of the room.

Embodiments of the invention include a system, a method, and/or acomputer program product. The computer program product may include acomputer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readableprogram instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry outaspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like,and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products. It will be understood thateach block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, andcombinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or blockdiagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

These concepts are illustrated with reference to FIG. 7, which shows acomputing node 10 comprising a computer system/server 12, which isoperational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

In FIG. 7, computer system/server 12 in computing node 10 is shown inthe form of a general-purpose computing device. The components ofcomputer system/server 12 may include, but are not limited to, one ormore processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18that couples various system components including system memory 28 toprocessor 16.

The bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of busstructures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus usingany of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and notlimitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture(ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA)bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, andPeripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus.

The computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

The system memory 28 can include computer system readable media in theform of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/orcache memory 32. The computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As depicted and described herein, memory 28 mayinclude at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one)of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions ofembodiments of the invention.

The program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules42, may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.,one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12, and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output(I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 cancommunicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 viabus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardwareand/or software components could be used in conjunction with computersystem/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode,device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays,RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein with referenceto the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various otherchanges and modifications may be made therein by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An airborne particle collection system,comprising: an airflow directing unit comprising a primary air tube, anda plurality of separately controlled air distribution segments connectedto the primary air tube, wherein each air distribution segment comprisesan airflow control valve connected to the primary air tube, an airdistribution channel connected to an output of the airflow controlvalve, and a series of air exits holes aligned to the air distributionchannel; a plurality of register units, wherein each register unitcomprises a motorized damper and a filter; a fan unit connected to theairflow directing unit and to the plurality of register units throughpiping, wherein the fan unit is configured to inject air into theairflow directing unit, and to generate a vacuum force that causesexhaust air with airborne particles to be pulled into the register unitsand filtered by the filters within the register units; a control systemthat is configured to selectively activate the airflow control valves ofthe air distribution segments and the motorized dampers of the registerunits to generate alterable airflow patterns between the airflowdirecting unit and the register units in different zones within a roomin which the airflow directing unit and the register units are disposed.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the filters of the register unitscomprise electrostatic filters.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein theairflow directing unit is disposed adjacent to a first wall in the roomand wherein the register units are disposed adjacent a second wall inthe room, opposite the first wall.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein theairflow directing unit is formed in a shape of a decorative molding. 5.The system of claim 4, wherein the primary air tube, the airflow controlvalves, and the air distribution channels are components that areencased in a composite material that is formed in the shape of thedecorative molding.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the air exit holesof the airflow directing unit comprise perforations that are formed in afront surface of the composite material.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the control system selectively activates the airflow controlvalves of the airflow directing unit to generate different airflowpatterns that are directed to one or more of the register units, andwherein the control system selectively activates the motorized dampersof the register units to generate different airflow patterns that arepulled to one or more of the register units by the vacuum force.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising an air ionizer unit toelectrically charge air molecules of the air that is injected into theairflow directing unit.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the filters ofthe register units are electrically charged with a charge that isopposite to the charge of the electrically charged air molecules. 10.The system of claim 1, wherein the air distribution channels comprisetapered channels.
 11. A method for collecting airborne particles,comprising: injecting air into an airflow directing unit comprising aprimary air tube, and a plurality of separately controlled airdistribution segments connected to the primary air tube, wherein eachair distribution segment comprises an airflow control valve connected tothe primary air tube, an air distribution channel connected to an outputof the airflow control valve, and a series of air exits holes aligned tothe air distribution channel; generating a vacuum force that causesexhaust air with airborne particles to be pulled into one or moreregister units, wherein each register unit comprises a motorized damperand a filter; filtering the exhaust air using the filters of the one ormore register units; and selectively activating the airflow controlvalves of the air distribution segments and the motorized dampers of theone or more register units to generate alterable airflow patternsbetween the airflow directing unit and the one or more register units indifferent zones within a room in which the airflow directing unit andthe one or more register units are disposed.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein injecting air and generating a vacuum comprises automaticallyactivating a fan unit, which is connected to the airflow directing unitand to the one or more register units through piping, to forcibly injectair into the airflow directing unit, and to generate the vacuum force inthe piping connected to the one or more register units.
 13. The methodof claim 11, wherein filtering comprises electrostatically filtering theexhaust air that is pulled through the one or more register units. 14.The method of claim 11, wherein selectively activating the airflowcontrol valves of the air distribution segments comprises sequentiallyactivating one of the airflow control valves of the airflow directingunit so that air is emitted from one of the air distribution segments ata given time, and wherein selectively activating the motorized dampersof the one or more register units comprises sequentially activating themotorized dampers of the one or more register units so that only onedamper of a given register unit is open at a given time.
 15. The methodof claim 11, further comprising: injecting ionized air into the airflowdirecting unit, wherein the ionized air comprises electrically chargeair molecules; and applying an electrical charge to the filters of theone or more register units, which is opposite to the electrical chargeof the air molecules.
 16. An article of manufacture comprising acomputer readable storage medium having program code embodied therewith,wherein the program code is executable by a computer to cause thecomputer to perform method steps for controlling an airborne particlecollection system, the method steps comprising: causing air to beinjected into an airflow directing unit comprising a primary air tube,and a plurality of separately controlled air distribution segmentsconnected to the primary air tube, wherein each air distribution segmentcomprises an airflow control valve connected to the primary air tube, anair distribution channel connected to an output of the airflow controlvalve, and a series of air exits holes aligned to the air distributionchannel; causing a vacuum force to be generated, which causes exhaustair with airborne particles to be pulled into one or more registerunits, wherein each register unit comprises a motorized damper and afilter, and filtered using the filters of the register units; andselectively activating the airflow control valves of the airdistribution segments and the motorized dampers of the one or moreregister units to generate alterable airflow patterns between theairflow directing unit and the one or more register units in differentzones within a room in which the airflow directing unit and the one ormore register units are disposed.
 17. The article of manufacture ofclaim 16, wherein injecting air and generating a vacuum comprisesautomatically activating a fan unit, which is connected to the airflowdirecting unit and to the one or more register units through piping, toforcibly inject air into the airflow directing unit, and to generate thevacuum force in piping connected to the one or more register units. 18.The article of manufacture of claim 16, wherein filtering compriseselectrostatically filtering the exhaust air that is pulled through theone or more register units.
 19. The article of manufacture of claim 16,wherein selectively activating the airflow control valves of the airdistribution segments and the motorized dampers of the one or moreregister units comprises sequentially activating one of the airflowcontrol valves of the airflow directing unit so that air is emitted fromone of the air distribution segments at a given time, and sequentiallyactivating the motorized dampers of the one or more register units sothat only one damper of a given register unit is open at a given time.20. The article of manufacture of claim 16, wherein the method stepsfurther comprise: causing ionized air to be injected into the airflowdirecting unit, wherein the ionized air comprises electrically chargeair molecules; and causing an electrical charge to be applied to thefilters of the one or more register units, which is opposite to theelectrical charge of the air molecules.
 21. An airborne particlecollection system, comprising: an airflow directing unit comprising aplurality of separately controlled air distribution segments; aplurality of register units, wherein each register unit comprises amotorized damper and a filter; a fan unit connected to the airflowdirecting unit and to the plurality of register units through piping,wherein the fan unit is configured to inject air into the airflowdirecting unit, and to generate a vacuum force that causes exhaust airwith airborne particles to be pulled into the register units andfiltered by the filters within the register units; a control system thatis configured to selectively control the air distribution segments ofthe airflow directing unit and the motorized dampers of the registerunits to generate alterable airflow patterns between the airflowdirecting unit and the register units in different zones within a roomin which the airflow directing unit and register units are disposed. 22.The system of claim 21, wherein the control system selectively activatesthe air distribution segments of the airflow directing unit to generatedifferent airflow patterns that are directed to one or more of theregister units.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the air distributionsegments of the airflow directing unit are selectively activated in apre-programmed sequence.
 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the controlsystem selectively controls the motorized dampers of the register unitsto generate different airflow patterns that are pulled towards one ormore of the register units by the vacuum force.
 25. The system of claim24, wherein the motorized dampers of the register units are selectivelyopened and closed in a pre-programmed sequence.